British Rust Fungi - Authoritative Reference on Uredinales

In this review of British Rust Fungi the bottom line is clear: this is an indispensable, scholarly reference for botanists and mycologists who need a comprehensive treatment of rust fungi found in Britain. Compiled by Malcolm Wilson with completion and illustration work by Dr Douglas Henderson, the volume replaces earlier, now obsolete works and offers a historically important, systematic account that remains useful to researchers and serious amateurs. Its depth and taxonomic focus make it best suited to readers seeking authoritative species coverage rather than a casual introduction.

Key Features

• Comprehensive species coverage: Covers all species of Uredinales known in Britain at the time, giving readers a broad taxonomic survey in a single volume.
• Historical continuity: Serves as a modern successor to W. B. Grove's earlier work, making it valuable for comparing past and mid-20th-century research.
• Scholarly authorship: Prepared by Malcolm Wilson with completion and figure redrawing by Dr Douglas Henderson, providing expert editorial oversight and clarity in presentation.
• Illustrated figures: Redrawn illustrations enhance identification and understanding of morphological details across species.
• Reissued edition accessibility: The 1966 text being reissued makes an important historical reference available to current libraries and researchers.

Who It's For

The book is aimed at professional mycologists, plant pathologists, university students in biological sciences, and dedicated naturalists who require a detailed, taxonomic treatment of rust fungi in Britain. Its systematic approach and historical context are especially useful for researchers tracing nomenclature, species concepts, and changes in classification over time.

Those looking for a beginner's field guide with modern molecular keys or an overview for casual reading should look elsewhere; the work is scholarly and rooted in mid-20th-century taxonomy, so readers seeking contemporary molecular treatments or light photographic field help may find it too technical or dated in methodology.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authoritative coverage of Uredinales makes it a strong reference for taxonomy and species lists.
• Redrawn figures improve clarity for morphological comparison and identification work.
• Completes and replaces an older standard, offering continuity and updated scholarship of its era.

Cons

• Being published originally in 1966, it lacks modern molecular data and newer taxonomic revisions.

Specifications

Title	British Rust Fungi
Author	Malcolm Wilson (completed by Dr Douglas Henderson)
Original publication	1966 (reissue of completed work)
Subject	Uredinales (Rust Fungi) of Britain
Scope	All species of rust fungi known in Britain at time of publication
Illustrations	Figures redrawn by Dr Douglas Henderson

Our Verdict

British Rust Fungi is a worthwhile purchase for specialists and libraries needing a thorough mid-20th-century treatment of British rusts; its comprehensive species coverage and expert illustrations deliver lasting reference value, though those requiring current molecular taxonomy should supplement it with modern sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover all rust fungi in Britain?
Yes, it covers all species of Uredinales known in Britain at the time of its preparation and publication.

Who completed the work after the original author was unable to finish it?
Dr Douglas Henderson completed the text and redrew all the figures after Malcolm Wilson's death.

Is this edition suitable for modern molecular studies?
No, the book is a mid-20th-century taxonomic treatment and does not include modern molecular analyses; it is best used alongside current literature for molecular work.